KEY POINTS:
For music student Soraya La Pread her personal style naturally has more to do with the tunes she's listening to than the fashion she's been observing. Over the past year La Pread has been working at the Zambesi store in central Auckland but, although she's loved the experience, her wardrobe choices have been made to a different beat.
"I went through this Jimi Hendrix phase and I started dressing like him," she confesses, laughing. "Then I got into heavy metal - Pantera and anything else quite deep. That was pretty scary actually. I was wearing all black, all the time. But I couldn't pull it off because I've got a bit of an afro and I don't think anyone believed me! So that only lasted about a week," she jokes.
At the moment La Pread, who plays piano, composes and records music at home with her musician father, is enamoured of hip-hop producer, J Dilla, and she's also really into dancehall and reggae styles. Which is why, on her way to study music seriously at Auckland University, she's left all the black behind and is compiling a new wardrobe filled with brighter colours as well as rocking out her new favourite, a T-shirt bought from a website, which proudly proclaims "J Dilla Changed My Life".
Favourite designers?
Prada, Miu Miu, Zambesi, Nom*D, Josh Goot.
Last item you bought?
An amazing but freaky black and white leotard by Lonely Hearts Club. Oh, the possibilities.
What inspires you?
Life.
Who does the best shoes?
I adore Miu Miu shoes. They're beautifully constructed and they look fun and chic. Might I add that you can't go wrong with a pair of Chuck Taylors either, preferably in a fluoro tone.
What do you really want this autumn?
Some nice new vinyl to listen to and a pair of very tight, silver Josh Goot pants.
Your best beauty tip?
Exfoliate, people. We are constantly building up layers of skin and when you exfoliate your skin will look fresh and clean. No makeup can give that same look or feeling. I use a scrub that my grandmother sends me from Iran, but there are so many cosmetic companies offering good scrubs.
What can't you live without?
Music, family and freedom.
Who's wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Pharrell Williams.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
I can't promise anything.
Any style icons?
My mum. She's awesome. She will wear all her diamonds, put a Prada feather head-piece on and go to the Post Office. She's definitely encouraged me not to be afraid to dress up and to try new things all the time.
What do you wear to work?
Zambesi and Nom*D. Can I get a whoop-whoop?
Most stylish city?
Tuskeegee, Alabama, where I was born definitely sets the standard. My mum is Persian and my dad is American and he was born there. I've been back there regularly and it's just a crazy place. They're not the most fashionable people in the world but they're very interesting.
You feel best wearing?
My dad's old shirts.
If money were no option?
I would rule the world.
